Mythbuster

The number of us getting tested for STIS is down 13.2% according to data from the UK Health Security Agency. Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, a gynaecological health company, shares the biggest myths surrounding STIS.

All STIS have symptoms

70% of female STIS are asymptomatic, so you won’t know you have an STI unless you get tested.

This is why it’s incredibly important to get tested regularly, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

The pill protects against STIS

There are lots of benefits to being on the contraceptive pill, but it does not offer any protection against STIS.

Condoms can protect against all STIS

While condoms are great at preventing most STIS, you can still get genital warts, herpes and syphilis.

STIS will eventually disappear without treatment

STIS will not go away by themselves, but a single dose of antibiotics can cure many STIS.

Early detection is important – the longer an STI is left untreated, the more serious the health implications.

STIS only affect young people with multiple partners

Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI – no matter their age, gender, or sexuality.

Using two condoms doubles the protection

Using two condoms at once is actually riskier.

The likelihood of the condoms breaking is higher because they rub against each other creating friction.

A toilet seat can give you an STI

STIS cannot survive for long outside the human body, so they die quickly on surfaces like toilet seats.

It’s impossible to become pregnant while you’re on your period

The chance of becoming impregnated while on your period is low, however, it is not impossible.